A 63-year-old man has died in a suspected gas explosion near York that completely destroyed a residential property.

The explosion happened at a house in Haxby, four miles north of York, and fire crews raced to the scene early Friday.

Residents from properties close to the incident have been using a relief centre set up at Haxby Memorial Hall.

Police declared a major incident and teams including fire crews attended.

The body of the deceased is still somewhere in the ruins of the property and police have confirmed it may be some time before it can be located and removed. His family have been informed.

The destroyed property was a detached residence.

That means there has been damage to nearby properties but it could have been so much worse.

Residents of Springwood in Haxby, near York report hearing a loud blast at about 07:30 GMT Friday.

BBC News reports the property was extensively damaged but in images and footage it appears to have been completely destroyed.

"Tony Richardson, a councillor on Haxby Town Council, said: "The house is completely gone. "At the present time we believe five houses have been evacuated. "We don't know if other houses need to be evacuated until we know the cause, we are yet to establish that yet."

The male victim has not been named by the police yet though they admit they are fairly certain they know his identity.

Saturday the big clean up operation is underway and York Press have the latest images and details.

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